16th C. Portuguese Renaissance Painting “Our Lady of Navigators” Dutch Ripple frame. Very early and extremely rare Old Master Painting from the 16th century Portuguese School depicting the Virgin with the infant child. Two angels from above crown the Virgin as Queen of Heaven. A sailing ship on the bottom of the painting emphasizes the Virgin Mary protection over Portuguese explorers and highlights the era’s maritime expansion. The oil painting is created on a piece of hand shaved wood panel. It gives the surface a unique look with subtle grooves and indentations. The sailing ship is a CARRACK, a two or three mast ship with triangular sails. They were in use in the 15th and 16th centuries, the age of exploration in Portugal. The masterpiece is housed in a black 19th century Dutch Ripple frame with Birdseye maple insets. The painting is in good antique condition. The wooden panel shows two wormholes. Measurements: Frame H 20” x W 17.5” x D 1.25” Painting W 8” x H 10” Weight; 4lbs.